Grain spreader for loading grain bin

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus to facilitate the loading of a grain bin such that the level in the grain bin increases generally uniformly and the distribution of grain size in the grain bin is generally uniform as well. The method includes redirecting the flow of the grain from the conveyer as it flows into the grain bin. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an adjustable leveling band for redirecting the grain uniformly to a plurality of radially extending chutes. In one embodiment, the angle of the chutes can also be easily adjusted.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Grain bin filling apparatuses and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Grain bins (silos, grain elevators) are commonly used to store grain.Grain bins are typically tall cylindrical structures and include acentral upper opening for loading. A screw conveyer (e.g., auger) orbelt conveyer is typically used to deliver the grain to the upperopening. Directly feeding grain into the grain bin from the conveyer cancause the grain bins to be loaded in an undesirable manner. For example,one side of the grain bin can be loaded with much more grain thananother side, which can cause an imbalance and stress on the structureof the grain bin. Even if the grain bin is loaded generally uniformlyfrom a radial direction with a mound of grain along the center axis ofthe grain bin, the fines in the grain can be concentrated rather thandistributed. The fines have a different viscosity than the larger grainstructure and tend to concentrate in the center of the grain bin ratherthan being uniformly distributed in the grain bin along with the largergrains. It is desirable to load the grain bin in a manner that resultsin a generally uniform loading of the grain bin vertically and radially,and also results in an even distribution of the size of the grain in thegrain bin.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus to facilitate theloading of a grain bin such that the level in the grain bin increasesgenerally uniformly and the distribution of grain size in the grain binis generally uniform as well. The method includes redirecting the flowof the grain from the conveyer as it flows into the grain bin. In oneembodiment, the apparatus includes an adjustable leveling band forredirecting the grain uniformly to a plurality of radially extendingchutes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a grain bin loading apparatus that is not adjusted tocompensate for the direction of loading;

FIG. 2 depicts a grain bin loading method and apparatus that is adjustedto compensate for the direction of loading according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of the grain spreaderof the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the portion of the grain spreader ofFIG. 3 wherein the leveling band is in a first orientation;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the portion of the grain spreader ofFIG. 3 wherein the leveling band is in a second orientation;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the portion of the grain spreader ofFIG. 3 wherein the leveling band is in a third orientation;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a leveling band of the grainspreader of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a leveling band hanger assembly ofthe grain spreader of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the grain spreader of FIG. 3 withthe chutes in a first orientation;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the grain spreader of FIG. 3 withthe chutes in a second orientation;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the grain spreader of FIG. 3;and

FIG. 13 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a grain spreader 10 that can be adjustedto facilitate even and uniform loading of a grain bin 12. Typically,grain bins are loaded via a central opening 14 at the top of the grainbin 12. A conveyer 16, such as a screw auger, can be used to deliver thegrain to the central opening 14. The grain typically exits the conveyer16 at an angle relative to vertical. In other words, the grain typicallydoes not exit the conveyer 16 in a perfectly downward direction (theflow path includes a lateral component). The grain exiting the conveyer16 is funneled generally downwardly by a hopper 18 that directs thegrain to a leveling band 20. In the depicted embodiment, the levelingband 20 is a cylindrical structure with an open top end and an openbottom end. In the depicted embodiment, the grain flow through andaround the leveling band 20 is downwardly and outwardly through aplurality of downwardly and radially extending chutes 22. The chutes 22include side openings and deflectors adjacent to the opening to directthe grain from the chute downwardly to the bottom of the grain bin 12.Unless certain accommodations are made, the loading of the grain bin 12will generally be non-uniform because the grain entered the grain bin 12with a lateral component (i.e., not perfectly vertically). The lateralcomponent can depend on a number of factors, including the angle of theauger exit and the flow rate of the grain in the auger. To facilitateeven and uniform loading of the grain bin 12, adjustments can be made tothe grain spreader 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, the leveling band 20 is canted to compensate forthe direction of grain flow from the exit 24 of the conveyer 16.Referring to FIGS. 3-7, a particular embodiment of a grain spreader 10according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown anddescribed herein in further detail.

In the depicted embodiment, the leveling band 20 is configured such thatit can be raised and lowered relative to the hopper 18 and chute 22along its central axis 30. It is also configured such that its roll 26and pitch 28 can be adjusted.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, a number of orientations of the leveling band 20is shown. In the depicted embodiment, a roll 26 and pitch 28 adjustmentmechanism is configured to selectively adjust and set the roll 26 andpitch 28 orientation of the leveling band 20. In the depictedembodiment, the roll 26 and pitch 28 adjustment mechanism includes aplurality of rods (e.g., three rods 30, 32, 34) that are connectedbetween the hopper 18 and the leveling band 20. The rods 30, 32, 34 areconfigured to pull and push on the leveling band 20 to change theorientation of the leveling band 20 as needed. In the depictedembodiment, each of the rods 30, 32, 34 is threaded and configured suchthat its effective length can be adjusted by rotating it about alongitudinal axis of the rod. In the depicted embodiment, a nut issecured to the end of the rods 30, 32, 34, which can be engaged with ahand-held driver by an operator located outside of the grain bin 12. Theoperator can change the roll 26 and pitch 28 (the tilt) of the levelingband 20 to adjust so that it distributes the grain onto the chutes 22 inan evenly balanced manner. In the depicted embodiment, the roll 26 andpitch 28 adjustment mechanism includes a hanger assembly 36 (FIG. 9)that threadly interfaces between the rods 30, 32, 34 that extend betweenthe hopper 18 and the leveling band 20. In the depicted embodiment, thehanger assembly 36 includes legs 38, 40, 42 that support a centeringcollar 44 and a plurality of threaded interfaces 46, 48, 50. In thedepicted embodiment, a first upper portion of a threaded rod 30, 32, 34extends through the threaded interface 46, 48, 50 of the hanger assembly36 and second lower end portions of the threaded rod 30, 32, 34 arepivotally attached to a portion of the leveling band 20. Rotation of thethreaded rod 30, 32, 34 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) extendsthe threaded rod 30, 32, 34 downwardly, thereby lowering the portion ofthe leveling band 20 connected to the second end of the threaded rod 30,32, 34. Conversely, rotation of the threaded rod 30, 32, 34 in a seconddirection (e.g., counter clockwise) that is opposite to the firstdirection, raises the threaded rod 30, 32, 34 upwardly, thereby liftingthe portion of the leveling band 20 connected to the second end of thethreaded rod 30, 32, 34. In the depicted embodiment, there are threethreaded rods 30, 32, 34 that extend between the hopper 18 and theleveling band 20, and they are spaced apart at 120 degrees relative toeach other around the leveling band 20. In the depicted embodiment, thelegs 38, 40, 42 of the hanger assembly 36 are adjustable and can be usedto raise and lower the leveling band 20. However, in the depictedembodiment, the legs 38, 40, 42 are not configured to be adjusted whilegrain is flowing through the system. It should be appreciated that manyalternative configurations are possible. For example, the rods 30, 32,34 could be instead cables. Alternatively, the rods 30, 32, 34 could begas or hydraulic cylinders rather than threaded. The rods 30, 32, 34could also be telescoping pinned structures rather than threaded. Inaddition, alternative embodiments may not have a hanger assembly 36 orthe hanger assembly 36 could be integrated with the hopper 18 as tabsthat extend therefrom that engage the rods 30, 32, 34. Many otheralternative configurations are also possible.

In the depicted embodiment, the plurality of downwardly and radiallyextending longitudinal chutes 22 distribute the grain from the levelingband 20 into a grain bin 12. Each chute 22 includes an upper first endportion and a lower second end portion. In the depicted embodiment, theupper first end portion of each chute 22 is pivotally attached below theleveling band 20. Each chute 22 is supported by a strut 52. In thedepicted embodiment, each strut 52 extends from a center post 54radially outwardly to the chute 22 that it supports. In the depictedembodiment, the grain spreader 10 includes a chute angle adjustmentassembly configured to orientate the chutes 22 at a first angle (e.g.,FIG. 10) relative to vertical or alternatively a second angle (e.g.,FIG. 11) relative to vertical. In the depicted embodiment, the chuteangle adjustment assembly is configured to change the angle of aplurality of chutes 22 simultaneously. In the depicted embodiment, eachof the struts 52 includes a first end that is pivotally connected to acollar 56 that is positioned around the center post 54 and a second endthat is pivotally connected to a portion of the chute 22 that itsupports. The collar 56 is configured to move upwardly and downwardlyalong the center post 54 and be secured to the center post 54 when thedesired angle of the chutes 22 is attained. In the depicted embodiment,the center post 54 includes a pin aperture 58 that is configured toreceive pins that extend through the center post 54 and secures thecollar 56 in place along the center post 54. It should be appreciatedthat many alternative configurations exist for adjusting and setting thedownward angle of the chutes 22. In alternative embodiments, the collar56 could be threaded (e.g., acme threads) on the center post 54 to raiseand lower the chutes 22. Alternatively, the struts 52 themselves couldbe configured to extend and retract. Or the position of the connectionbetween the struts 52 and the chutes 22 could be configured to adjust.Many other alternative configurations are also possible.

The present disclosure also provides a method of evenly distributinggrain while loading a grain bin 12. The method includes the step ofadjusting the tilt of a leveling band 20 to account for the direction ofgrain feeding into the grain bin 12. In the depicted embodiment, thestep of adjusting the tilt is accomplished with the operator locatedprimarily outside of the grain bin 12. In the depicted embodiment, thestep of adjusting the tilt is accomplished with a hand-held driver thatrotates a threaded rod 30, 32, 34, thereby raising and lowering aportion of the leveling band 20 causing it to tilt relative to ahorizontal plane. The method further comprises the step of adjusting thedownward angle of a plurality of chutes 22 located below the levelingband 20 by adjusting the position of a collar 56 that rides along acenter post 54. It should be appreciated that many alternatives to themethod exist. Some alternatives include more steps, others include lesssteps, and yet others include different steps.

It should be appreciated that many other configurations are alsopossible. For example, in an alternative embodiment, elastic members orsprings can be used to bias the leveling band in a downward direction toprovide added stability and limit float and dampen vibrations. Inanother embodiment, an upwardly ending center longitudinal member thatextends along or parallel to the center axis of the leveling band can beused to change roll and pitch in place of cables. In other embodiments,a ball screw configuration can be used to adjust the roll and pitch ofthe leveling band. Many other alternative configurations are alsopossible.

1. A grain spreader comprising: a hopper, the hopper oriented to funnelgrain in a downward direction; a leveling band positioned below anddownstream of the hopper; a roll and pitch adjustment mechanismconfigured to adjust and set the tilt of the leveling band; and aplurality of radially downwardly extending chutes positioned below anddownstream of the leveling band.
 2. The grain spreader of claim 1,wherein the roll and pitch adjustment mechanism includes a plurality ofrods connected between the hopper and the leveling band that areconfigured to pull and push on the leveling band to change the tilt ofthe leveling band.
 3. The grain spreader of claim 2, wherein at leastone of the plurality of rods is threaded and configured such that itseffective length can be adjusted by rotating the rod about alongitudinal axis of the rod.
 4. The grain spreader of claim 1, whereinthe roll and pitch adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of threadedrods connected between the hopper and the leveling band configured suchthat an orientation of the leveling band can be adjusted by rotating atleast one of the plurality of threaded rods about a longitudinal axis ofthe threaded rod.
 5. The grain spreader of claim 1, wherein the roll andpitch adjustment mechanism includes a hanger assembly that interfacesbetween rods that extend between the hopper and the leveling band,wherein the hanger assembly includes legs that support a centeringcollar and a plurality of threaded interfaces.
 6. The grain spreader ofclaim 5, wherein a first upper portion of a threaded rod extends throughthe threaded interface of the hanger assembly and second lower endportions of the threaded rod are pivotally attached to a portion of theleveling band, wherein rotation of the threaded rod in a first directionextends the threaded rod downwardly thereby lowering the portion of theleveling band connected to the second end of the threaded rod androtation of the threaded rod in a second direction that is opposite tothe first direction raises the threaded rod upwardly thereby lifting theportion of the leveling band connected to the second end of the threadedrod.
 7. The grain spreader of claim 2, wherein the plurality of rodsincludes three rods that are spaced apart evenly around the levelingband.
 8. The grain spreader of claim 5, wherein the legs of the hangerassembly are adjustable and can be used to raise and lower the levelingband.
 9. The grain spreader of claim 1, wherein the leveling band is acylindrical structure with an open top end and an open bottom end. 10.The grain spreader of claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofdownwardly and radially extending longitudinal chutes configured todistribute the grain from the leveling band into a grain bin, whereineach chute includes an upper first end portion and a lower second endportion, wherein the upper first end portion is pivotally attached belowthe leveling band, wherein each chute is supported by a strut, whereineach strut extends from a center post radially outwardly to the chute.11. The grain spreader of claim 10, further comprising a chute angleadjustment assembly configured to orientate the chutes at a first anglerelative to vertical or alternatively a second angle relative tovertical, wherein the first and second angles are different, and whereinthe chute angle adjustment assembly is configured to change the angle ofa plurality of chutes simultaneously.
 12. The grain spreader of claim10, wherein each of the struts includes a first end that is pivotallyconnected to a collar that is positioned around the center post and asecond end that is pivotally connected to a portion of the chute that itsupports, wherein the collar is configured to move upwardly anddownwardly along the center post and be secured to the center post. 13.The grain spreader of claim 10, wherein the center post includes pinapertures that extend through the center post for receiving pins thatsecure the collar.
 14. A method of distributing grain while loading agrain bin comprising: adjusting the tilt of a leveling band to accountfor the direction of grain feeding into the grain bin.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the step of adjusting the tilt is accomplished withthe operator located primarily outside of the grain bin.
 16. The methodof claim 14, wherein the step of adjusting the tilt is accomplished witha hand-held driver that rotates a threaded rod and causes the levelingband to tilt relative to a horizontal plane.
 17. The method of claim 14,further comprising the step of adjusting the downward angle of aplurality of chutes located below the leveling band by adjusting theposition of a collar that rides along a center post.
 18. A grainspreader for funneling grain in a downward direction from a hopper to aplurality of radially downwardly extending chutes, comprising: aleveling band adapted to be positioned below and downstream of thehopper and adapted to be positioned above and upstream of the chutes;and a roll and pitch adjustment mechanism configured to adjust and set atilt of the leveling band.
 19. A grain spreader for funneling grain in adownward direction from a hopper through a leveling band positionedbelow and downstream of the hopper to a plurality of radially downwardlyextending chutes positioned below and downstream of the leveling band,comprising: a roll and pitch adjustment mechanism configured to adjustand set a tilt of the leveling band, the roll and pitch adjustmentmechanism including a plurality of rods adapted to be connected betweenthe hopper and the leveling band and configured to pull and push on theleveling band to change the tilt of the leveling band.
 20. The grainspreader of claim 19, wherein at least one of the plurality of rods isthreaded and configured such that its effective length can be adjustedby rotating the rod about a longitudinal axis of the rod.
 21. The grainspreader of claim 19, wherein the roll and pitch adjustment mechanismincludes a plurality of threaded rods adapted to be connected betweenthe hopper and the leveling band and configured such that an orientationof the leveling band can be adjusted by rotating at least one of theplurality of threaded rods about a longitudinal axis of the threadedrod.
 22. The grain spreader of claim 19, wherein the roll and pitchadjustment mechanism includes a hanger assembly configured to interfacebetween the rods, wherein the hanger assembly includes legs that supporta centering collar and a plurality of threaded interfaces.
 23. The grainspreader of claim 18, wherein the roll and pitch adjustment mechanismincludes: a plurality of rods adapted to be connected between the hopperand the leveling band and configured to pull and push on the levelingband to change the tilt of the leveling band; and a hanger assemblyconfigured to interface between rods, the hanger assembly including legsthat support a centering collar.